Eastside High School culinary students compete in first annual food truck rally

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - Culinary students at Eastside High School showed off their skills for a panel of judges this afternoon in their first annual food truck rally.

Students in the Institute of Culinary Arts hosted the event, where judges tasted dishes including banana pudding.

“It was great. They really put their best foot forward. They were so creative, and inventive, and really worked through the process, and came up with a lot of great dishes,” said Pamela Bedford, culinary program director at Eastside High School.

Over the course of a few weeks, students ranging from sophomores to seniors brainstormed ideas for their own food truck. They were split into teams, each having their own theme and cooking a three-course meal.

Caribbean soul food team takes first place

“I know we all like kind of Caribbean soul food, so we decided let’s take that and run with it,” said Ceazia, a member of the winning team.

That idea placed first after being judged on four different categories, including their menu and truck design, theme, and the taste of the food.

“Very shocked, very shocked, but overall happiness, joy,” Ceazia said.

The food trucks were cardboard cutouts, but they were still decorated, including one serving seafood dishes.

The event helps students prepare for a future career if they decide to pursue the culinary industry.

“I learned that the overall experience of learning how to get costs done with food, and researching to get those certain amounts of food that you need. That it’s hard, but like you’ll be able to get it done with the right dedication,” said Christopher Chestnut, a member of the second-place team.

Some students will compete at a national contest in Atlanta during the first week of June for Skills USA.

“I mean, I was definitely nervous. There’s a lot that goes into it with the prep of the food, and the food truck itself, so for it to all come together towards the end, it was really great,” said Nyla Hines, a member of the first-place team.

Tv20’s Kayla Lewis was a judge for this event. Both students and staff members said they hope to hold the event again next year.

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